"Google is considering ditching the U.S. Chamber of Commerce out of frustration with its support for legislation that would force Internet companies to police websites that peddle pirated movies and fake Viagra. The rumblings of a defection - a potentially serious blow to one of Washington's most powerful lobbies - come weeks after Yahoo left the Chamber in October, largely over its support of Sen. Patrick Leahy's online piracy bill, the PROTECT IP Act." What, the US Chamber of Commerce is a front for the pharmaceutical and content industries? I'm shocked.

Google is protesting the fact that they will need to devote HUGE resources against something that doesn't otherwise affect them.

Google will be paying out a good chunk of money to protect the richest people in the world ability to make even more money...

Not to mention the damaging effects on Net Neutrality and a free web. You let the rich control the internet like they do the real world and you will lose your ability to fight them non-violently. The internet is the great equalizer, allowing those with knowledge to gain content (legal or otherwise) the rich can merely buy.

Besides, the internet and online search services are merely communications tools. ANY attempt to block access in the United States at the federal or state level should be considered a violation of the constitution which was setup EXPLICITLY to ensure that Americans can communicate freely without fearing their government.

Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly...

Music, movies, news, and other once valuable content is no longer as valuable on a per-sale basis because access has become so easy. Show me a web-site where I can legally buy digital movies with prices based on their quality!! The music industry is SLOWLY coming to understand the new dynamic, the rest just need to catch up! This isn't anything new, we've been saying the same thing on this web-site since '96...maybe earlier...